Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Kearny, NJ: $88,044 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Kearny, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $88,044 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kearny's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,427 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,533) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the construction management field in Kearny, NJ, can expect an entry-level construction manager salary of approximately $88,044. This starting pay represents the lower end of the salary range, with significant potential for growth as new managers gain experience and skills. Compared to the overall median annual salary of $132,533 for construction managers in the area, entry-level salaries may seem modest, but there is a clear path to increase earnings. As one progresses in their career, they can anticipate reaching the 25th percentile salary of $106,590 within a few years. With a consistent annual growth rate of 3.42%, Kearny appears to be a promising market for recent graduates eager to start their careers in construction management.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kearny
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearny
Entry-level construction managers in Kearny, NJ typically start between $88,044 and $106,590 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,382 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,533 — 11.44% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in New Jersey of $85,000 represents just 96.54% of the starting construction manager pay ($88,044/year) in Kearny. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACCE-accredited construction management bachelor's programs at public and private universities. In-state public tuition at the low end; private universities at the high end. Many employers sponsor PMP/CCM certifications post-graduation.
CM Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Kearny
- 1Research the Kearny market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $88,044 to $106,590, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the construction management field — employers in NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kearny, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Kearny for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Kearny's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Construction Manager Compensation Range
The construction manager wage spread in Kearny is $117,382 ( 133.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $88,044, experienced hygienists can earn up to $205,426.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,580
2025 BLS Actual
$85,132
2026 Current Est.
$88,044
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,484 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,356 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,995 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,768 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,136 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,132 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,044 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,055 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Kearny, NJ grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,580 in 2019 to $85,132 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $91,055. New graduates entering the Kearny job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearny metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.42% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your construction management Career in Kearny
Hiring trends in Kearny show that large general contractors, such as Bechtel and Turner, frequently recruit entry-level candidates through university campus pipelines for assistant project management roles. These positions often provide valuable training and exposure to a variety of projects. For those looking to boost their earning potential, obtaining credentials such as a Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture is advantageous. Additionally, pursuing certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can enhance job prospects and starting pay. Given the ongoing mega-project boom in sectors like data centers and electric vehicle battery plants, there are opportunities for rapid professional growth in the first few years. While many top ENR-ranked firms offer competitive salaries, they may entail lengthy hours and travel. On the other hand, owner’s representative roles with real estate developers often support a more balanced lifestyle while offering comparable compensation.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for construction managers in Kearny in 2026?
How fast do construction manager salaries grow in Kearny?
Is construction management school worth it in Kearny?
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Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new construction management graduates. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Kearny. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kearny is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.42%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for construction managers (SOC 11-9021).
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov